Quinta Brunson Addresses If She’s Considered Ending Abbott Elementary as She Knows Cast ‘Would Love to Pursue Other Projects’

Quinta Brunson is optimistic about the future.

In her June 30 Bustle cover story, the 35-year-old reflected on the popularity of Abbot Elementary — which she created and currently stars in. As the hit series heads into its fifth season, Brunson revealed if she has any plans to bring it to an end.

“We are so fortunate and blessed to be on a network TV show for five seasons, and for people to still be fans,” she noted. “That being said, I have cast members who would love to pursue other projects, and our show is very time-consuming. We shoot about seven months out of the year. That can stop people from being able to do a lot of other things.”

While Brunson isn’t on a specific timeline, she admitted she has an idea of what she wants to do next in her career.

“Right now, I’m receiving scripts, and waiting for that moment that feels like, ‘Oh man, this is exactly what I’ve been looking for,’” she explained. “Abbott has been so successful, and I want to use that success to get other people’s projects off the ground.”

“I’m always interested in playing against type,” she added. “I think that’s any actor’s dream. Right now my type is ‘Janine’ and ‘teacher.’ I’m looking forward to moving away from that a little bit.”

Abbott Elementary was renewed for season 5 in January.

The school comedy, in which Brunson plays a second-grade teacher, first debuted in 2021 and quickly became a fan-favorite. New episodes have previously synced with the school year, although a premiere date hasn’t yet been announced.

There also has not been any confirmation on casting for the upcoming season, but the main cast is expected to return for new episodes. The roster includes Quinta Brunson, Tyler James Williams, Sheryl Lee Ralph, Janelle James, Lisa Ann Walter, Chris Perfetti and William Stanford Davis.

“Season 5, here we come! 🫡 Join your favorite staff and students for more #AbbottElementary on ABC and stream on Hulu,” the Instagram post sharing news of the renewal read.

Cast members have previously expressed their love for the show.

In February 2024, Perfetti told PEOPLE that he was in no rush to move on from his role.

“Right now I’m feeling very attached to my Abbott family. It is a real gift to be able to play a character for as long as I’ve been able to be Jacob and these people are my family now — there was a connection from the get-go,” he gushed.

In October of that same year, Walter revealed to PEOPLE that the cast even received salary increases ahead of the season 4 premiere.

“Yes, we got a little more money in there and all the Hot Pockets we could eat,” she quipped.

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Abbott Elementary is available to stream on Hulu.